GARETH DUNCAN previews the Schoolboy Derby feature match of the weekend between Waterkloof and Monument.

Monnas have enjoyed more success in recent years as they’ve triumphed in four of the last seven fixtures between the two teams. However, the Krugersdorp-based school has suffered a inconsistent season, while Klofies have enjoyed a good run of form in recent weeks.

Waterkloof 1st XV head coach Jan Mollentze is confident that his team can do the job on Saturday.

‘A win over Monnas will be huge for us,’ Mollentze told keo.co.za’s Schoolboy Derby. ‘I’ve been very happy with our results of the last couple of weeks. It was all due to team work and dedication. We also suffered many injuries during the season, and most of our first-choice players are back.’

Klofies will be without star players outside centre Rohan Janse van Rensburg and scrumhalf Justin Phillips, while Monnas will have their key players like flyhalf Jako van der Walt and skipper Chris Massyn. But Mollentze stressed that he has replacements who will fill in well.

He also added that the forward battle will be telling between the two teams.

‘Monnas have a massive pack and their strengths lie at the scrum and lineouts. We have a smaller pack, but our forwards are quite mobile. It will be interesting to see if my forwards will be able to handle the pressure and the physicality Monnas bring on Saturday.’